If you have forgotten your code, the maker of TSA approved locks; Travel Sentry states that you can try every possible combination. This means starting from 000 and working to 999. This method usually takes 10-15 minutes.

If you travel to or through the United States in 2026 and use a non-TSA-approved lock (one without the red diamond logo), and the TSA determines your bag needs a physical inspection, they are legally authorized to break, cut, or bypass your lock to gain entry. The TSA will not compensate you for the broken lock or any damage to the suitcase's zippers caused by the forced entry. After the inspection, they will typically place a "Notice of Baggage Inspection" inside your suitcase and secure the bag with a plastic zip-tie, leaving your belongings vulnerable for the remainder of the journey. In 2026, many major airports have upgraded to high-tech CT scanners that reduce the need for physical searches, but "random" checks still occur. If you forget your TSA lock, the safest 2026 alternative is to leave the bag unlocked and use internal packing cubes to keep items secure, or purchase a cheap TSA-compliant lock at an airport kiosk before checking your bag to ensure that security officers can use their master keys to open and relock your luggage without causing damage.